Behind the Scenes of Migrant Smuggling: Qualitative Insights from Indian Smugglers

Soundararajan, Manikandan, T, Siva, Rameshkannan, R, Ajith, V B and TREADWELL, James (2024) Behind the Scenes of Migrant Smuggling: Qualitative Insights from Indian Smugglers. British Society of Criminology Online Journal, 22. ISSN 17590043

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Abstract or description

The implementation of stricter immigration policies by many countries has increased the number of people searching for alternative routes, such as seeking assistance from travel agents or migrant smugglers. This shift has created a new opportunity leading to an increase in travel agents and migrant smugglers, particularly in countries like India. This paper is based on ethnographic research with travel agents, who are running the migrant smuggling business in India. We have found that they initially operated as conventional travel agents providing services such as ticket booking and visa assistance. However, due the profitable economically rewarding opportunities in illicit migrant smuggling they entered this lucrative business. Further, this paper explores their interpretation of migrant smuggling as a service provided to their clients and the ethics they follow in their enterprises.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty:	School of Law, Policing and Forensics > Sociology, Criminology and Terrorism
Depositing User:	James TREADWELL
Date Deposited:	20 Feb 2024 16:10
Last Modified:	20 Feb 2024 16:10
Related URLs:	https://www.britsoccrim.org/pbcc/
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/8062

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